Comments

NBA Picks

It’s fairly clear that Game 3 of the Western Conference Final is going to be a nip-tuck type of a matchup. The first two contests were decided by razor-thin margins and Game 3 is basically at a PICK. With that in mind, let’s avoid the side and find some NBA picks in terms of quality props.

Will James Harden Record A Double-Double?
Yes +175
No -215
The key for Game 3 for the Rockets is not necessarily having James Harden go off. So far this series, he’s averaged 33 points per game and they’ve lost both games, so it’s not solely about what he can do. He needs to get his teammates involved to make sure they’re contributing too. The Rockets' supporting cast (Corey Brewer, Jason Terry, Josh Smith) have struggled this series but they tend to play better at home than on the road. That being the case, look for Harden to get even more assists in Game 3.

At any rate, Harden is averaging 33.0 PTS, 10.5 REB and 9.0 AST so far this series. Odds are he gets another double-double in Game 3.

NBA Playoffs Props Pick: Yes

Total Rebounds By James Harden
Over 6.5 -115
Under 6.5 -115
This number simply seems too low. As mentioned above, Harden is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game in this series. Yes, he didn’t go over this number for his first six playoff games but he’s ramped things up recently at both ends of the court. He’s gone over the number in three straight games and five of his last six. Go over the number in this one with your NBA picks.

NBA Playoffs Props Pick: Over

Total Points, Rebounds and Assists By James Harden
Over 44.5 -125
Under 44.5 -105
As you can tell, I’m expecting a strong rebound effort from Harden. Remember, he was stinging at the end of Game 2 when he failed to get a shot attempt off and the Warriors ended up winning by a point. I expect him to come out with plenty of fire in this game. We’re looking at roughly 30 points from him, which means he needs about seven rebounds and seven assists to get near the number. If he approaches a triple-double again as he has in Games 1 and 2, we’ll get the over.

NBA Playoffs Props Pick: Over

Total Points Scored By Corey Brewer
Over 10.5 -115
Under 10.5 -115
Brewer has been somewhat held in check in Games 1 and 2 as he’s totaled just 12 points in those two contests. However, odds are that he bounces back in Game 3. For He scored at least 11 points in five of his previous six entering the Western Conference final and for the playoffs, he’s gone over 10.5 nine times and under five times.

The Rockets need him to play better to give the bench a boost and I expect him to step up as he did late in the series against the Clippers. He’s worth a play on the over against the NBA odds for this one.